Live performances may have resumed here in Singapore, but it still doesn’t make economic sense for small independent theatre companies to host shows due to safe distancing measures and limited seating capacity.
With this in mind, a bunch of independent theatre collectives have decided to join forces in presenting a brand new festival, operating completely digitally. Happening from Apr 21-May 2, Strike! Digital Festival will take place on instant messaging app Telegram.
Offering fresh and locally produced art, seven theatre troupes including Attempts, Bound Theatre, Impromptu Meetings, Patch & Punnet, Spacebar Theatre, The Runaway Company and The Second Breakfast Company will be staging works online.
All audiences have got to do is register their interest online, to be given access to the festival’s Telegram group chat. There, links to the virtual performances will be available once the festival commences.
Spacebar Theatre
So look forward to shows including Terry Teo’s Tech Tutorial by Patch & Punnet on YouTube as well as The Runaway Company’s Medusa on IGTV, a piece that looks at dating in today’s digital age. At the same time, Attempts and Spacebar Theatre will collaborate on Hey I Moved!, a performance that takes place on multiple blog platforms to explore the dangers of the internet.
In addition to the performances, Strike! will also feature Tele Talk, inspired by moderated panel discussions at arts festivals. Budding thespians and theatre enthusiasts can attend and participate in the conversations which will take place at various specific timings on the same group chat; topics of these dialogues will be announced at a later date.
Started as a response to the highly disrupted arts industry, Strike! is ready to keep audiences entertained with unique, accessible art. Simply follow the digital festival on Instagram, then mark your calendars for all the exciting performances to come.
Strike! Digital Festival happens from Apr 21-May 2 online. More information available here.
